My theme to-night is, "The Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the BLESSED HOPE of the Church." My text is Saint Paul's epistle to Titus, second chapter and thirteenth verse: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." The text may be rendered: "Expecting that blessed hope, and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." The text is preceded by a context of several verses. text. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. "Teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glori ous appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." In presenting this theme I shall consider, Second, the grace of God has been manifested. men. Fourth, the grace of God teaches those who accept salvation what to deny. Fifth, the grace of God teaches those who are saved how to live in this present age or world. Sixth, the grace of God sets before those of us who are saved the hope which the Spirit calls, "blessed." Seventh, grace teaches us the attitude we should hold in relation to this blessed hope. The grace of God! This is an immense phrase. Immense because it links the word "grace" to the name and title-God. God is the God of grace. Grace in its simplest definition is "free favor," "unmerited, undeserved favor." |